Syrian Refugees Turning to Food Banks Partially Cultural: McCallum

OTTAWA—The fact some newly arrived Syrian refugees are turning to food banks to supplement their own pantries can be partially explained by a “cultural element,” the immigration minister said May 19.

Food banks from Halifax to B.C. have reported serving hundreds of Syrians who have come to Canada since November, the month the Liberal government launched a major resettlement program to bring 25,000 people by the end of February.

Immigration Minister John McCallum acknowledged that the income assistance is not high, but said that’s not the only reason Syrians are showing up at food banks.

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